It was a sad Tuesday in upstate New York as the body of fallen Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen was escorted from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office to a funeral home in Rome in Oneida County, New York.
Rome is where Jensen grew up.
Mourners lined overpasses along I-81 to catch a glimpse of his journey home.
What You Need To Know
- Officer Michael Jensen was a stand-out police officer who Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile says always had a smile
- Friends said the same thing, describing Jensen as a positive person
- People lined the street near the funeral home, with many saying they didn’t know Jensen, but wanted to pay their respects
“That when he worked an area, he had a territory. He took care of everything that was going on, that territory. Not only crime, but he got out of his car and engaged with his residents, business owners. He was Officer of the Month in December. Pretty young to get that that award, but he got it because he was so active out there,” said Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile.
Jensen was a standout police officer who Cecile said always had a smile on his face.
Friends said the same thing, describing Jensen as a positive guy.
“He always knew how to bring people up, even in some of the worst situations. And he was he was very proud to be a Syracuse police officer and serve his community of him,” said Tyler Nicolaus, one of Jensen’s best friends of him.
Jensen will be missed not just as the remarkable police officer he was, but for his friendship.
“We’re definitely going to miss him, always are going to think about him, always remember his silly jokes, weird mannerisms and just overall happy personality,” Nicolaus said.
Jensen’s loss greatly impacted not just the Syracuse community, but also where he grew up.
As his procession arrived in the city of Rome, people lined the street near the funeral home. Many said they didn’t know Jensen, but wanted to pay their respects and support law enforcement.
“It’s heartwarming to see that. I hope we see it all the time beyond the funeral,” Cecile said.
Of course, it wasn’t just locals lining the streets showing support. Many first responders in the Mohawk Valley also participated in the procession.
Calling hours are scheduled to take place Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm
Jensen’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
